By Alex Tolle.

Whether you are a longtime ARCA member, new to the association or simply looking for a fun evening with roofing industry peers, the 8th Annual Lotería Night offers a welcoming way to get involved.

The Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) is bringing one of its most popular industry gatherings back to Mesa with the 8th Annual Lotería Night on Friday, August 14, 2026, at ATAS International. Designed as a casual, high-energy evening for roofing professionals, coworkers, customers, friends and family, this event offers contractors a chance to step away from the daily demands of the business and enjoy time with the people who help strengthen Arizona’s roofing community.

This year’s event adds a sports-themed twist to the traditional Lotería format. Attendees are encouraged to show their team spirit by wearing their favorite jersey, team colors, athletic gear or anything that represents a favorite sport. Whether someone is coming ready to compete or simply looking for a fun way to connect with others in the industry, the event is built around friendly competition, conversation and community.

The evening begins with check-in at 4:45 p.m., followed by food at 5 p.m. Lotería games will run from 6-8 p.m., giving players plenty of time to settle in, connect with others and enjoy the game-day atmosphere. The event includes three rounds of Lotería, with four games played during each round. Winners will receive cash prizes, with additional door prizes, drinks and surprises planned throughout the evening.

For contractors, events like Lotería Night provide an important opportunity to build relationships outside of the jobsite, office or trade show floor. Networking does not always have to happen in a formal setting. Sometimes the strongest connections are made over food, games and shared experiences with others who understand the roofing industry.

Tickets are $35 per player and space is limited to 60 players, making early registration important. ARCA is also encouraging members and supporters to help spread the word by sharing the event flyer with their teams, customers and office visitors. Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies interested in supporting the event, including food sponsors, beverage sponsors and door prize sponsors.

Register early, grab your spot and get ready to bring your team spirit to ARCA’s Lotería Night.

Por Alex Tolle, traducido por Jessica Bravo.  

Ya seas miembro de ARCA desde hace años, un nuevo integrante de la asociación o simplemente estés buscando una forma diferente de convivir con colegas de la industria, la 8.ª Noche Anual de Lotería es una excelente oportunidad para participar. 

Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) traerá de regreso uno de sus eventos más populares con la 8.ª Noche Anual de Lotería, que se llevará a cabo el viernes 14 de agosto de 2026 en las instalaciones de ATAS International, en Mesa, Arizona. Diseñado como un evento relajado y lleno de energía para los profesionales del roofing, sus compañeros de trabajo, clientes, amigos y familiares, este encuentro brinda a los contratistas la oportunidad de alejarse por unas horas de las exigencias del trabajo diario y convivir con las personas que fortalecen a la comunidad de roofing en Arizona. 

Este año, el evento incorpora un toque deportivo al tradicional juego de lotería. Los asistentes están invitados a mostrar el orgullo por su equipo favorito usando un jersey, los colores de su equipo, ropa deportiva o cualquier atuendo que represente el deporte que más disfrutan. Ya sea que los participantes lleguen con espíritu competitivo o simplemente busquen convivir con otros profesionales de la industria, el evento está pensado para fomentar la sana competencia, la conversación y el fortalecimiento de la comunidad. 

Las actividades comenzarán con el registro de asistentes a las 4:45 p.m., seguido de la cena a las 5:00 p.m. Las partidas de lotería se llevarán a cabo de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m., ofreciendo tiempo suficiente para convivir, conocer a otros asistentes y disfrutar del ambiente. El evento contará con tres rondas de lotería, cada una integrada por cuatro juegos. Los ganadores recibirán premios en efectivo y, además, habrá rifas, bebidas y diversas sorpresas durante toda la noche. 

Para los contratistas, actividades como la Noche de Lotería representan una excelente oportunidad para fortalecer relaciones fuera de la obra, la oficina o el piso de exhibición de una feria comercial. El networking no siempre tiene que darse en un ambiente formal. Muchas veces, las relaciones más sólidas nacen compartiendo una comida, participando en un juego o disfrutando de un momento agradable con personas que entienden los retos y las oportunidades de la industria del roofing. 

El costo de participación es de 35 dólares por jugador y el cupo está limitado a 60 participantes, por lo que ARCA recomienda registrarse con anticipación. La asociación también invita a sus miembros y aliados a compartir la información del evento con sus equipos de trabajo, clientes y visitantes de sus oficinas para ayudar a difundir esta celebración. Asimismo, existen oportunidades de patrocinio para las empresas interesadas en apoyar el evento, incluyendo patrocinadores de alimentos, bebidas y premios para los asistentes. 

Reserva tu lugar, prepara tu mejor atuendo deportivo y disfruta de una noche de convivencia, diversión y networking en la 8.ª Noche Anual de Lotería de ARCA.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Bringing contractors, manufacturers and industry leaders together for a day of connection, innovation and opportunity. 

There are certain events on the calendar that the roofing community simply does not miss, and in Arizona, the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) Expo is one of them. Each year, it draws together the people, products and perspectives that are actively shaping the industry, creating a day where business growth and meaningful relationships take center stage. 

The 57th Annual ARCA Expo is set for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center in Prescott, Arizona. With decades of history behind it, this event has built a strong reputation as a must-attend gathering for roofing professionals throughout the region. 

What continues to make the ARCA Expo so impactful is the way it effortlessly connects individuals from across every corner of the industry. Contractors have the opportunity to engage directly with manufacturers and suppliers, gaining firsthand insight into the products, services and technologies that are driving change. These conversations tend to move beyond introductions, often developing into lasting partnerships and new ways of doing business. 

That sense of connection carries throughout the day, as the environment encourages interaction in a natural and productive way. Attendees find themselves reconnecting with familiar faces while also expanding their network, and those conversations often lead to new ideas and opportunities. It is this blend of relationship building and forward-thinking discussion that strengthens not only individual businesses, but the industry as a whole. 

The educational component adds another layer of value, with industry experts leading seminars focused on current trends, best practices and the challenges contractors are facing today. The ability to move between these sessions and conversations on the show floor creates a more dynamic experience, allowing attendees to immediately connect insight with real-world application. 

At the same time, the ARCA Expo maintains an energy that keeps people engaged from start to finish. Product demonstrations and interactive exhibitor experiences add a sense of momentum throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that is both informative and enjoyable. This balance helps ensure that attendees leave not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of where the industry is headed. 

For companies looking to increase visibility, the expo offers a highly focused opportunity to connect with roofing professionals who are actively seeking solutions. Being present on the show floor allows businesses to showcase their offerings in a setting that encourages conversation, discovery and relationship building. 

As contractors continue to explore new technologies and expand into adjacent markets, events like the ARCA Expo play an essential role in keeping the industry connected and moving forward. They provide a place where ideas come together, partnerships are strengthened and the future of roofing continues to take shape. 

To be part of Arizona’s premier roofing industry event, visit the ARCA website to learn more and register today. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

ARCA and NRCA training helps roofing foremen and supervisors build practical leadership skills. 

There is a growing recognition across the roofing industry that leadership development cannot wait until someone reaches the executive level. It has to start in the field, where foremen and supervisors are guiding crews as well asinfluencing culture and jobsite performance every day. A training opportunity from the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is putting that belief into action with a focused, practical approach to field leadership.

The NRCA Field Leadership Training Level 1 program is designed to meet roofing companies where they are, equipping field managers with the skills they need to lead more effectively right now. This one-day training isn’t theoretical. It is built around real-world applications, helping participants immediately strengthen communication along with improving productivity and stronger, more accountable teams. 

What makes this training especially relevant is its focus on the daily challenges facing field leaders. Communication gaps, misaligned expectations and unresolved conflict can quickly impact both morale and project outcomes. By addressing leadership styles, team engagement and conflict-resolution strategies, the program gives foremen and supervisors tools they can use the moment they return to the jobsite. 

The training, scheduled for July 10, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, also brings together respected industry experts who understand the realities of roofing. Participants will learn from professionals such as Amy Staska, vice president of NRCA University, and Jon Goodman, an NRCA subject matter expert, former roofing contractor and ProCertification® assessor. Their combined experience in workforce development and contractor education ensures the content is grounded in what truly works in the field. 

For companies looking to take the next step, this program can be paired with NRCA’s Foreman Management Training, held the day prior. That course expands into broader job management concepts including safety, customer service, quality, productivity and profitability, giving participants a more complete perspective on how their decisions affect project success. 

Opportunities like this highlight an important shift happening across the industry. Contractors are realizing that investing in people is just as critical as investing in equipment or materials. Strong leadership at the field level improves not only project outcomes but also retention. 

For contractors and companies focused on building the next generation of leaders, programs like NRCA’s Field Leadership Training are more than a class. They are a strategic investment in the future of their teams and their business. If you are looking to strengthen leadership from the ground up, now is the time to take action. Explore the training, and engage your future leaders.  It is a commitment to invest in their success. The strongest companies are built on strong leaders in the field. 

To register visit www.azroofing.org/events. 

Northern Arizona Roof Services and SRS Building Products surprise local elderly couple with a donated roof.

In an effort to give back to the community that continues to support them, Northern Arizona Roof Services recently completed a full roof replacement, at no cost, for a deserving elderly couple facing ongoing health challenges while balancing opposite work schedules.

When the team learned that the homeowners were navigating medical concerns and the stress of maintaining their property on limited time and energy, they knew this was an opportunity to step in and make a meaningful difference.

“This was about more than shingles,” said Onnie Diaz, owner & COO. “It was about lifting a burden and giving them peace of mind.”

Project scope & donated materials

The existing roof consisted of two layers of aging shingles. The NARS team completed a comprehensive tear-off and replacement, including:

• Complete removal of two layers of existing shingles down to the plywood decking, with full debris haul-off
• Inspection of plywood decking and replacement where necessary
• Installation of Ice & Water Shield along perimeter, edges and eaves
• Installation of synthetic underlayment across remaining roof areas
• New white metal drip edge installed around the entire fascia
• Installation of TAMKO Building Products Oxford Gray, generously donated by SRS Building Products
• Sealing of all pipe penetrations
• Thorough job site clean-up
• Provision of all ladders, safety equipment, hoisting, labor and materials required

To ensure lasting confidence, Northern Arizona Roof Services is also providing a 2-Year No Leak Workmanship Warranty.

Community in action

The project was made possible through collaboration with SRS Building Products, whose donation of premium TAMKO Building Products Titan shingles helped transform the home with both durability and curb appeal.

The result? A secure, beautiful new roof and one less worry for a couple who already has enough on their plate.

“At the end of the day, roofing is about protection,” Jennifer George, owner & CEO, shared. “And sometimes the best projects are the ones that protect more than just a home.”

Northern Arizona Roof Services remains committed to supporting homeowners and neighbors across Northern Arizona through dependable, safety-focused roofing services and when possible, through acts of service that truly make a difference.

For more information about Northern Arizona Roof Services, visit www.northernarizonaroofservices.com or call 928-366-3504.

About Arizona Roofing Contractors Association

Northern Arizona Roof Services, LLC mission is to provide quality roof service, repair and maintenance delivered with experienced customer service for the upmost customer experience. Northern Arizona Roof Services is dedicated to employee safety, healthy work environment and satisfied customer relations. Additional information regarding Northern Arizona Roof Services can be found online at www.northernarizonaroofservices.com.

About SRS Building Products, Flagstaff

SRS Building Products, Flagstaff branch, is a trusted resource for professional roofing contractors throughout Northern Arizona. Known for dependable service, quality materials and strong community partnerships, the Flagstaff team supports residential and commercial projects with leading products from top manufacturers. Additional information regarding SRS Building Products, Flagstaff can be found online at SRS Building Products.

By Emma Peterson. 

Roofing associations nationwide are sharing their time and resources to support their communities and the future of the industry. 

Whether you are shopping for gifts, trying to get together with family or just wrapping up loose ends from 2025, the winter holiday season is a busy time. But we wanted to take a moment to pause and highlight how some people are giving back during this busy time. In no particular order, here are six stories of industry associations coming together this December to build up their communities by giving back. 

1 – Arizona Roofing Contractor Association (ARCA) 

The ARCA closed out their year of giving with their annual holiday party on December 10, 2025. The party, which was hosted at Fate Brewery from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., was in support of their Roofers Giving Back initiatives. These initiatives benefit: 

• Home of Hope: The ARCA Young Professionals group is gathering unwrapped gifts or monetary donations to purchase gifts this December for children at Home of Hope! 
• Youth On Their Own: The Tucson Bowling Committee is spending the month collecting non-perishable food items for the Youth On Their Own organization. 
• AZ Cancer Foundation: And Arizona Women in Roofing is collecting donations to support their efforts to purchase toys for the children at the AZ Cancer Foundation.  

If you want to donate to any of these causes, visit azroofing.org. For more information, call 602-335-0133. 

2 – Metal Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) 

Interested in advancing education, research and the future of the roofing industry? Consider supporting the MRCA Foundation! This foundation was created to raise awareness and improve the roofing industry by “supporting educational programming, industry research and industry-related academic scholarships.” 

Learn more about the foundation and donate to support their work! 

3 – The Associated Roofing Contractors of Oregon and SW Washington (ARC) 

This was the third year that the ARC gathered for a Christmas Dinner and Auction! Hosted on December 6 at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, this night was not only a fun gathering but a fundraiser for Fort Kennedy.  

Fort Kennedy is a nonprofit that provides food, clothing and other essential resources to homeless and low-income veterans in Oregon and Washington. Their mission is simple, “To enable all veterans to move forward in their lives after military service [by providing] transitional housing and shelter, ensure access to employment, family counseling and benefits.” 

Learn more about ARCOSWW and about Fort Kennedy.  

4 – Utah Roofing Contractors Association (URCA) 

A few states over, URCA also hosted a holiday party on December 5. Held at the PierPont Place, it was a casino royale themed party complete with blackjack, delicious food and a dazzling raffle. And like the other associations we’ve been highlighting, it was all for a good cause! URCA’s 2025 holiday party supported JustaBreak.org, a Utah-based nonprofit that gives cancer patients and caregivers joyful getaways to help bring them joy during their treatments.  

Learn more about URCA and learn more about JustaBreak.org. 

5 – International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) 

For 2025 Giving Tuesday (the Tuesday following Thanksgiving), IIBEC set out to raise money for their foundations, RCI-IIBEC Foundation (US) and RCI Foundation Canada (Canada). These foundations aim to better the industry and help move towards safer, more secure building enclosures in many different ways, including:  

• Industry-leading research: Support for these foundations supports research efforts that move the industry forward.  
• Funding publications: These foundations manage the publication of many key publications, like the 5th edition of Wind Uplift Pressures on Low-Slope Roofs. 
• Collaborative work: Because of the support they get, these foundations can collaborate with other organizations, like the Charles Pankow Foundation, to combine efforts for improving the state of the industry. 

If you’re interested in supporting IIBEC’s foundations, contact Rick Gardner, foundations development officer, at rgardner@iibec.org. 

6 – National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) 

NFBA also has a charity organization that you can support! The NFBA Foundation works specifically to strengthen the future of the post-frame building industry. One of their biggest initiatives is their scholarship program, which opens doors for students who are current employees of NFBA member companies or family members of those current employees pursuing higher education fields that support construction and the post-frame profession. 

In addition to this, the NFBA Foundation also supports key training programs and research initiatives around the industry, such as the new edition of the NFBA Post Frame Building Design Manual.  

Donate to the NFBA Foundation and support the future of post-frame building! 

By The Coffee Shops™.

Arizona roofers are giving back to their communities this holiday season. 

The holiday season is a time to slow down, come together and remember what truly matters. For the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA), that means lifting up our communities and supporting those who need it most. This December ARCA members, their families and friends, are gathering not only to celebrate but also to give back in meaningful ways through their annual Roofers Giving Back initiative.

Across the state, many families and young people face challenges that can make the holidays feel overwhelming. ARCA is proud to help make the season brighter by supporting two organizations that are making a direct difference in the lives of Arizona children and youth.

The ARCA Young Professionals are collecting unwrapped gifts and monetary donations for Home of Hope, helping ensure children in crisis receive care, comfort and joy during the holidays. A small gift can mean the world to a child who needs to feel seen, supported and valued. Members can bring gifts to the holiday celebration or donate to the cause directly.

Meanwhile, the Tucson Bowling Committee is organizing a donation drive for Youth On Their Own (YOTO), a nonprofit that supports local youth experiencing homelessness. This season, non-perishable food items and daily essentials can go a long way in giving teens stability, dignity and hope. Together, we can help ensure no young person goes hungry or feels alone this winter.

Along with giving back, ARCA’s Holiday Party is the perfect chance to have fun, celebrate a year of hard work and enjoy time with others in the roofing community. The holiday party is open to both ARCA members and non-members, making it a great opportunity to bring colleagues, friends and future industry leaders.

By attending or donating, you help strengthen our industry’s long-standing tradition of service, generosity and community spirit. Together, we can show what it truly means to be roofers who care.

By Arizona Roofing Contractors Association.

Plan your trip to the 56th Annual Arizona Roofing Expo with this guide to the educational seminars!  

The Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA)’s will be hosting the 56th Annual Arizona Roofing Expo at Little America Hotel in Flagstaff from September 11, 2025 to September 13, 2025 — the only roofing expo and tradeshow in Arizona! This is great opportunity to connect with industry professionals, attend exclusive educational seminars, score incredible deals at the Roofers' Auction (featuring over $40,000 in roofing materials), compete in sporting events and so much more! With so much happening, it's helpful to plan your schedule ahead. To help, we've compiled a quick guide to the educational seminars that will be happening on Saturday, September 13. 

The difference between quality control and quality assurance

Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. | Agassiz Room
Presented by Bryan Hill, WRECORP

Quality assurance inspections, conducted by a third-party representative on behalf of the building owner, ensure compliance with construction contracts, manufacturer guidelines and industry standards. Contractors perform Quality Control inspections to meet the same requirements while also managing safety protocols and maintaining the roof’s watertight integrity during installation. Attendees will learn about the procedures for both assurance and control across common roofing systems used in Arizona.

Year over year sustainable safety culture

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | Aspen Room
Presented by Jessie Atencio, Premier Risk Management

This seminar is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, strategies and tools to build and sustain a safety culture within their organizations while fostering continuous improvement year over year. Attendees will explore the principles of workplace safety, organizational behavior and change management. Topics include leadership commitment, employee engagement, risk assessment, data-driven safety metrics and strategies for long-term workplace transformation.

From roofer to CEO: How to build a profitable, scalable roofing company

Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Spruce Room
Presented by Luke Boyenger, Cruzumi CFO & Advisory

Tired of wondering where all the money goes, even when jobs are rolling in? In this high-impact session, you’ll learn how to take control of your numbers, stop the profit leaks and scale with confidence. Led by Luke Boyenger, the CEO of a fractional CFO firm that specializes in construction companies, this seminar will show you what’s really holding your business back — and how to fix it. If you’re ready to stop running your business from the bank account and start thinking like a true CEO, don’t miss this.

Visualize. Lead. Build: How mental reps drive real-world results

Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Ponderosa Room
Presented by Melissa Chapman, The Glo Group

Discover how to harness the science of mindset in this transformative session. Learn why your brain believes what you visualize, how focus sharpens awareness and how mental rehearsal builds real confidence. Explore the powerful connection between belief and behavior and how emotions anchor lasting change. Leave with practical strategies to put these principles into action and elevate your personal and professional performance.

If you haven't already, make sure to register for the ARCA’s 56th Annual Arizona Roofing Expo!

By Malarkey Roofing Products.

Community generosity puts new roofs over families in need.

A home is more than just a roof over one’s head — it’s a foundation for stability, security and hope. But when that roof starts to crumble, so does the sense of safety it provides. In Mesa, Arizona, a collaborative effort led by Malarkey Roofing Products® and local roofing professionals stepped up to ensure that three transitional homes at House of Refuge remained a safe haven for families in need. Fueled by a shared commitment to community service, this initiative wasn’t just about replacing shingles — it was about restoring dignity and support to those working toward a better future.

“This Malarkey Cares event mattered to me because I live in [nearby] Gilbert and House of Refuge's mission of helping homeless families,” shared Ben Rucka, district sales manager at Malarkey.

Eric Perry, owner of Eco Roofing Solutions, spearheaded the donation and roof installation effort. As a Malarkey Emerald Premium Contractor and president of the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association, Perry is well-connected in the local industry and community. Material coordination was managed by Tommy Montgomery, Bert Alaniz and Tug Seestak from RWC Building Products. RWC also donated edge metal flashing and pipe jacks and loaded all materials onto the roofs.   

The old roofs were torn off handily by the Eco Roofing Crew. The Malarkey team assisted with cleaning up the old roof materials and ensuring plenty of water was available for everyone on the 110-degree day.

<INSERT PHOTO 1>

The new Malarkey roof

Malarkey Smart Start® starter shingles set the first course of the new roof. Smart Start® starter shingles are full-size, code-compliant shingles, fastened along the eave of the roof and have strips of rubberized adhesive that provide exceptional seal-down for the first course of shingles to follow. Smart Start® starter shingles help prevent blow-offs and moisture intrusion from wind-blown rain at the eave and rake edges of the roof. Following the starter shingles are field shingles.

Malarkey Highlander® field roofing shingles were donated in the Sienna Blend color to match the beige desert landscape. Designed in the popular architectural style and made with our industry-leading NEX® Rubberized Asphalt, Highlander® shingles deliver all-weather resilience, a Class 3 hail impact rating and include granules that help clean the air of emission pollutants. Sienna Blend also has a strong solar reflectance rating to help keep the home cool in the Arizona sun.

Malarkey RidgeFlex® ridge shingles were also donated to finish the roof. Ridge shingles provide extra impact protection at the more vulnerable high points of the roof. RidgeFlex® hip & ridge shingles are Class 4 impact rated, come in two (2) profile options (heights) – 10″ and 12″ for added roof dimension and subtle, enhanced curb appeal. These ridge shingles also match the field shingle color blend.

<INSERT PHOTO 2>

House of Refuge

“This Malarkey Cares event mattered to me because I live in [nearby] Gilbert and House of Refuge’s mission of helping homeless families,” said Ben Rucka, District Sales Manager at Malarkey. “Women that have been victims of abuse and their children really spoke to me.  Giving them a home for 12 months and all the additional support that the House of Refuge provides is an incredible thing,” he added.

House of Refuge offers transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness and/or fleeing domestic violence at $400/month. When a family joins House of Refuge, they receive supportive services to help them overcome homelessness and become self-sufficient.

Original article and photo source: Malarkey Roofing Products

By James Ellsworth.

By championing the needs of roofing professionals and fostering collaboration with lawmakers, we can pave the way for safer, more competitive and sustainable practices.

The future and success of the roofing industry depend heavily on advocacy. Policies enacted at any level – local, state or federal – can have far-reaching effects on contractors, business owners and their crews. To craft effective legislation, policymakers need input from those who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in roofing. This is where active participation becomes critical. Advocacy goes beyond attending meetings; it’s about forming meaningful connections and ensuring your experience and knowledge shape the conversation that matters most. Industry associations are key players in this process, acting as a united voice for the industry. When the industry stands together, it strengthens its position and creates a brighter future.

Legislators are smart people who need the public involved to be able to pass smart legislation. Since they are not contractors, and are not on the roof, it’s important for them to understand what we need to be successful, competitive and safe. If we are not engaged, if we are not at the table then we cannot help in crafting the policies that will impact our lives, businesses and industry.    

Your state legislature, for the most part, will impact your business and personal life more than Congress will. It is your local leaders who will set the state budget (which must be a balanced budget) to update building codes, change labor laws and invest in the future. If they don't have thoughtful, constructive directions and feedback they will be unable to understand how any proposed legislation will actually impact their constituents and district. These are the decisions we need to show up for. This is where we need to engage and make our voices heard.

As a former Chief of Staff for a state Representative in the Oregon Legislature, I can attest to how important it is to develop a relationship with your local representative. More often than you may expect, I was tasked with reaching out to constituents we had met with, and developed a relationship with, to get their insights and perspective on a proposal that would impact their area of expertise. We called contractors, realtors, business owners, tech developers and many more. They were not all affiliated with the same party as the Representative, but there was a deep amount of respect between them, and they all knew how important it was to get that “on the ground point of view.”  

That’s why year-round advocacy is important, and why the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) ROOFPAC (political action committee) plays a pivotal role in advocating for the industry, keeping people informed and educated about the issues at hand and organizing Roofing Day in D.C., which has such a profound impact not only on Capitol Hill but for the roofing industry overall. Be sure to follow along as RoofersCoffeeShop® reports on what the NRCA has identified as key issues for the industry this year and as roofing professionals prepare to descend on Capitol Hill April 8-9, 2025.  

Find the time to reach out to your legislators and have a meeting. See if you can get them to join you in your office or work site after the legislative session has ended so they can see what you are doing day in and day out to keep people safe and dry. Build that respect and trust so they will think of you first when a bill comes before them and they will reach out to get your quick thoughts.  

Remember what Senator Mike Enzi from Wyoming said – "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu." Let’s sit at that table!

About James

James Ellsworth is the Chief of Staff for The Coffee Shops™. He has worked as a Chief of Staff in the Oregon Legislature and helped pass the largest investment to Oregon Schools in generations. When he isn’t working he loves to explore new places and roads and try new local wines, and can usually be found hiking, playing a fun game or listening to a good podcast.